LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – It’s Parenting Connection Tuesday and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from child development experts on how we can be better parents and guardians.
Today’s topic: 6 ways to be a more present parentEvery parent will agree, life with kids rarely includes a break. School, sports, friends, events, making sure they eat, bedtime routines… It’s all day, every day, and now with smartphones, it’s easy to feel like you don’t spend any quality time with your kids.
Experts say, it’s normal for parents to think like that, but it’s easily fixable… and it doesn’t take much to correct. It’s important too, because studies show parents who make their kids feel like they care have higher self-esteem, solid social skills, and do better at school. So, here are 6 ways to be a more present parent:
- Put the phone down when you’re with your kids. This will help show them that they’re a priority, not doom-scrolling.
- Be an active listener about their day, their concerns, and their successes.
- Play a game they choose.
- Schedule One-on-One Time. Carve out a piece of your day to provide uninterrupted time to your child. It can be as short as 10 minutes.
- Include them in your daily or weekly activities… like cooking, cleaning, or a hobby.
- Give lots of physical affection… this includes hugs, kisses, snuggling, or anything that makes them feel loved.
The cool thing is that if you’re able to make your child feel like you’re positively present in their life… You get a boost of satisfaction, too…